10/26/10 Devotions From Gods Word

Do You Have Purpose - 1 Corinthians 9.15-27

In this passage, Paul is using two athletes as an analogy for what he was doing. When you think of running what do you think of. Two things I think of: triathlons and marathons. Now you think of both these. Someone who wants to be a tri-athlete has some work to do. I see here that Paul understands work that is involved when it comes to running. IF THERE IS NO PRIZE, WHY RUN? If there is no purpose why go forward?

As Christians:

1. We need have purpose v23

What we do has to have some sort of value to life, as we know it. Paul did, “…for the gospel’s sake…”

a. What are focusing our eyes on?

Peter when he stepped out onto the water

Matthew 14.29-32

i. Doing it right (1 Corinthians 3.10-15)

ii. Steadfast, unmovable (1 Corinthians 15.58)

iii. The high calling of God (Philippians 3.14)

iv. Doing it the right way (2 Timothy 2.5)

b. Where are we focusing our eyes?

i. Elijah was looking in the wrong spot

1 Kings 19.10-12

ii. Running for the right prize (v25)

Philippians 1.27

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

2. Run with purpose, not with uncertainty (v26)

What do we place our confidence? What do we put our trust? We need to be certain about our lives in Christ and have purpose. (I know what I am supposed to do!)

a. Tossed by the waves (James 1.6)

i. A boat with no motor or sail to move

b. Co-Mission-ed with Christ (Matthew 28.18-20)

i. Co-Labours with Christ

c. No confidence in the Flesh (Philippians 3.3)

3. We need to Fight (v26)

a. Contend for the Faith that we have in Christ Jesus. (Jude 1.3-4)

Contend means to struggle for – a prize, a crown

Hebrews 11

4. Not allowing the body to control the situation (v27)

Galatians 5:7 “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?”

2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”

1 Corinthians 9:25 “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”